Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-01-22
WOMAN GOSSIP.
"Iu Write a Letter to My Love-"

There are two kinds of correspondence,
letters of business and letters of courtesy.
1t is a rare accomplishment to be able to
conduct either acceptably.
The first requires promptness, concise
ness, and distinctness. The second kindli-
ness, cordiality, and graceful considera-
ton. Both demand good grammar and
orthography.
As my audience is supposed to consist OF
women, we will allow business letters to &c
undiscussed. Women are not supposed to
be troubled with much commercial writing
or, if they are, they usually consult some
established institution for such informa-
ton before they launch into that turmoil
We will only gossip about letters of cour-
,esy.
Every woman in the first place should be
provided abundantly with writing material
| Good ink, first class pens, and plenty OF
them, and unlimited good paper.
1t is enough to try the patience of q
model mother in law to sit down at your
desk, engrossed with ideas and pleasantries
you wish to communicate, and find your
self minus any one of these essentials.
Good black ink is most desirable. Per-
fumed violet fluids are disgusting, and
fortunately the tragic significance OF SAN
guineous red ink is now thing of the past.
| 1t went out with the man who addressed his
mistress in agoniZing love terms. That
mans name was James, l think, and in
writing to his Dear Betty" began or closed,
l forget which, with: Remember your
bleeding lover who lies bleeding at the
wounds Cupid made with the arrows he
borrowed at the eyes Of Venus, which is
your sweet self"
Reading such an effusion in these prac-
teal days only gives one the idea that court
| plaster must have been invented since the
time of red ink.
In the matter of pens, custom and indi-
yidual preferences alone rule. 1t is quite
as elegant to write with a steel pen as o
gold one or a quill.
For paper, let simplicity guide. Unor-
namented, heavy or lighter weight white
paper is the most predisposing to ON idea
of luxury and good taste. For coquettish
young ladies, little ornamentation is per-
| missible.
The use of minor accessories must be
controlled by circumstances. Monogram
seals in variegated wax are at present affect
ed, and the use of sand for blotting does
away with porous paper pads.
| Many letters of friendship, such as &C
acknowledgements and letters of inquiry,
correspondence were immediately answered
Uncle Sam would be required to double
his present mail facilities.
The most satisfactory correspondence
carried on between friends is prompted by
inclination rather than from any sense OF
duty. 1t should be but little more than re-
corded conversation.
Our letters reflect our moods. IT they
are stiff, forced or awkward, they are not
| desirable. Every sentence should be spon-
taneous, repltte with the sympathies, emo
tons and affections the thought Of the one
addressed creates in our enlisted brain.
Our letters should be natural inspira-
tons. We without any hesitation respond
with different toned letter to q little sweet
heart who makes curling hieroglyphics that
his mamma translates below as reading
use lovn' 90 berry much" and to the one
from our honored great-aunt who writes
"My sincere affection and tender regard for
your future happiness and welfare you can
not doubt" We may feel an equal affec-
ton for each, but we will express 1t differ
emily.
Again, Kate will exhibit commendable
versatility in her two letters commencing
respectively Darling Papa" and Darling
Clarence" The first may read, "All my
dresses are worn to frights; may order
new ones?" but there will not be the faint
est allusion to discomfort in the other
Perhaps she will say something to Clarence
which sounds like he was all sufficient fol
her wants in this world.
But, ladies, allow one word of caution.
We commend and admire such versatility
The talent, where found latent should be
vigorously educated, given loose rein, hui
don't become mixed in addresses. The
consequences we should not like to con-
template were you to send papa's letter to
Clarence. 1t might prove Disseminating.
Were you to send it to the rich old grand
aunt, she might foolishly think you extrav-
agant. Above all things, don't send Clar-
ence's to her. But of course you will not